Growth Speakers

A growth speaker is someone who specializes in sharing strategies, frameworks, and real-world insights on how to drive business growth - whether that's user acquisition, revenue expansion, retention, or scaling operations.

Unlike general business speakers, growth speakers are laser-focused on the mechanics of scaling. They often come from backgrounds in marketing, product, sales, or data, and they bring a practitioner's perspective to the stage. Think of people like Brian Balfour (Reforge) or Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics) - they don't just talk theory. They break down what works and why.

Growth speakers are typically invited to speak at conferences, webinars, podcasts, and virtual summits. Their audiences range from startup founders to corporate innovation teams to solopreneurs looking for traction. What sets them apart is their ability to translate complex growth concepts into actionable steps.

They might cover topics like:
- How to build a growth team
- Product-led growth strategies
- Customer journey optimization
- Growth loops and virality
- Data-driven decision-making

In short, a growth speaker is someone who helps others grow - by sharing what they've learned, what they've tested, and what actually moves the needle.

When you're trying to scale a business, the difference between guessing and knowing can be millions of dollars. That's where a growth speaker comes in.

Growth speakers bring clarity in a sea of conflicting advice. With so many tactics floating around - from TikTok ads to onboarding funnels - it's easy to get overwhelmed. A skilled growth speaker helps filter the noise and focus on what actually works, often backed by data and experience.

They also help teams align. When a founder, marketer, and product manager hear the same growth framework explained clearly, it creates a shared language. That alignment can speed up execution and reduce friction across departments.

In regions where startup ecosystems are still developing - say, Nairobi or Medellín - growth speakers can bring global best practices to local audiences. That knowledge transfer can accelerate innovation and level the playing field.

Finally, growth speakers inspire action. They don't just inform - they motivate. Whether it's a keynote at SaaStr or a guest spot on a niche podcast, a great speaker can spark new ideas, unlock stuck teams, and catalyze real change.

So if you're hosting an event or running a summit, bringing in a growth speaker isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a strategic move that can elevate the entire experience.

Growth speakers do more than just talk - they teach, challenge, and activate their audiences.

At their core, growth speakers share proven strategies for business expansion. This could include:
- User Acquisition Tactics. From SEO to paid ads to referral programs, they explain how to attract the right users.
- Retention and Engagement Frameworks. They dive into lifecycle marketing, onboarding flows, and behavioral triggers that keep users coming back.
- Revenue Growth Models. Whether it's pricing experiments or upsell funnels, they show how to increase customer lifetime value.
- Growth Team Structures. They often discuss how to build cross-functional teams that can execute growth experiments quickly.

But their role isn't just tactical. Many growth speakers challenge assumptions. For example, they might question whether you need a sales team at all - or whether your product should be free to start. They push audiences to think differently.

They also adapt their content to the format. In a keynote, they might focus on storytelling and big ideas. In a workshop, they'll go deep into execution. On a podcast, they might share behind-the-scenes lessons from their own companies.

Ultimately, growth speakers exist to accelerate learning. They condense years of trial and error into 30-60 minutes of high-impact content - so others can grow faster, smarter, and with fewer missteps.

Becoming a growth speaker isn't about having the loudest voice in the room. It's about having a message that moves people and a strategy that gets you booked. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Growth Niche.
- Are you focused on startup scaling, SaaS growth, personal development, or e-commerce? Be specific. The more niche your expertise, the easier it is to stand out.
- Tip: Look at Talks.co to see how top speakers position themselves. Notice how they tailor their bios and topics to a clear audience.

2. Build Your Signature Talk.
- Create a 30- to 60-minute talk that delivers value and showcases your unique insights.
- Include case studies, data, and actionable takeaways. For example, if you're speaking on email list growth, show how you helped a client grow from 1,000 to 50,000 subscribers in six months.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- This is your digital storefront. Include your bio, headshots, talk titles, testimonials, and a speaker reel.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to host your speaker page and connect with event organizers.

4. Start Small, Then Scale.
- Begin with podcasts, webinars, or local meetups. These build your confidence and credibility.
- Use Talks.co to connect with hosts looking for guests in your niche. Every talk is a stepping stone.

5. Collect Testimonials and Refine.
- After each event, ask for feedback and testimonials. These are gold for your speaker page.
- Keep refining your talk based on audience reactions and questions.

6. Pitch Yourself Strategically.
- Research conferences, virtual summits, and corporate events that align with your niche.
- Send personalized pitches with a clear value proposition. Mention your past talks, audience impact, and what makes your message unique.

7. Stay Consistent.
- The best growth speakers didn't get there overnight. Keep showing up, improving your craft, and building relationships in the industry.

Remember, speaking is a long game. But with the right strategy and tools like Talks.co, you can accelerate your journey.

To be a growth speaker, you need more than just a good story. You need a blend of expertise, presence, and positioning. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Expertise in Growth.
Whether it's business growth, personal development, or digital marketing, you need to have a proven track record. That could be scaling a startup, growing a YouTube channel to a million subscribers, or helping companies 10x their revenue. Your credibility starts with results.

2. A Clear Message.
Growth speakers are known for their clarity. You should be able to distill complex strategies into digestible, actionable insights. Think of speakers like Neil Patel or Rand Fishkin - they take SEO or startup growth and make it accessible to everyone.

3. A Platform to Showcase Yourself.
You need a speaker page - ideally hosted on a platform like Talks.co - where event organizers can see your topics, testimonials, and past talks. This is your professional calling card.

4. Presentation Skills.
You don't need to be a TED Talk-level performer, but you do need to engage an audience. That means storytelling, pacing, and using visuals or examples to drive your points home. Practice is key.

5. A Way to Connect with Hosts.
Growth speakers thrive when they're visible. Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and corporate event planners. The more you're seen, the more you're booked.

6. A Feedback Loop.
You'll need to constantly refine your material. What resonated? What didn't? Use audience feedback to evolve your message and delivery.

In short, being a growth speaker is about combining your unique experience with a clear, compelling message and the tools to get it in front of the right people.

Yes, growth speakers absolutely get paid - but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's look at the landscape.
The Paid vs. Unpaid Divide
- Many new speakers start unpaid, especially on podcasts or small virtual events.
- As they build credibility and demand, they begin commanding fees.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: A first-time speaker may speak for free or a small honorarium, while a seasoned expert like Andrew Chen (a16z) can command five figures.
- Event Type: Corporate conferences and industry summits usually pay more than community meetups or webinars.
- Audience Size: A keynote at a 10,000-person SaaS conference pays more than a niche mastermind group.
Average Ranges

Speaker Level	Typical Fee Range
Beginner	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$1,000 - $5,000
High-Demand Expert	$5,000 - $25,000+

Other Forms of Compensation
- Travel and accommodation
- Access to premium networking
- Lead generation or product promotion opportunities
So yes, growth speakers do get paid - but the path to high-paying gigs usually starts with value-driven, strategic exposure. As mentioned in 'How to become a growth speaker', platforms like Talks.co can help you move from free gigs to paid stages by building your visibility and credibility.

Growth speakers don't just rely on speaking fees. In fact, many use their talks as a launchpad for multiple income streams. Here's a breakdown of the most common ways they monetize:

1. Speaking Fees
- Paid keynotes, panels, and workshops.
- Rates vary widely, as discussed in 'Do growth speakers get paid'.

2. Consulting and Coaching
- After a talk, attendees often want more personalized help.
- Growth speakers offer 1:1 coaching or B2B consulting packages.
- Example: A speaker on LinkedIn growth might offer a $5,000/month retainer to help a sales team implement their strategy.

3. Online Courses and Memberships
- Many speakers turn their frameworks into digital products.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to sell courses.
- Some offer memberships for ongoing access to content and Q&A.

4. Affiliate Marketing
- Recommending tools or services during a talk can generate affiliate income.
- For example, a speaker on funnel optimization might promote ConvertKit or ClickFunnels with their affiliate link.

5. Book Sales
- Publishing a book boosts credibility and generates passive income.
- Books also serve as a lead magnet for higher-ticket offers.

6. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
- High-visibility speakers may partner with brands to promote products.
- This works especially well in tech, finance, or wellness niches.

7. Hosting Events or Summits
- Some growth speakers flip the script and become hosts.
- Using platforms like Zoom, they organize summits and monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, and upsells.

The smartest growth speakers diversify. They use speaking as a marketing engine, then monetize through multiple channels tailored to their audience.

Growth speakers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars per gig to millions per year, depending on their strategy and visibility. Let's break it down by income tier:

Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Often speak for free to build credibility.
- May earn small amounts from affiliate links or digital products.

Mid-Tier Speakers
- Earn $1,000 to $5,000 per event.
- Supplement income with coaching, consulting, or online courses.
- Can make $50,000 to $150,000 annually if active.

Top-Tier Speakers
- Command $10,000 to $50,000 per keynote.
- Often have bestselling books, large audiences, and media exposure.
- Combine speaking with product sales, licensing, and brand deals.
- Annual earnings can exceed $500,000 to $2 million.

Variables That Affect Income
- Niche: A speaker on enterprise SaaS growth may earn more than one in lifestyle coaching.
- Region: U.S. and Western Europe tend to pay more than emerging markets.
- Business Model: Speakers who treat it like a business (with funnels, products, and systems) earn more than those who rely solely on gigs.

Example
- A speaker who does 20 paid talks at $5,000 each = $100,000.
- Add a $997 course that sells 500 units/year = $498,500.

The key takeaway: Speaking is just one income stream. The most successful growth speakers build ecosystems around their message.

If you're hiring a growth speaker, the cost can vary dramatically based on their experience, demand, and the event type. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Typical Fee Ranges

Speaker Tier	Cost Per Engagement
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $1,000
Professional Speaker	$1,000 - $10,000
Celebrity/Expert	$10,000 - $50,000+

Factors That Influence Cost
- Event Type: Corporate conferences and industry summits pay more than community webinars.
- Duration and Format: A 90-minute workshop may cost more than a 30-minute keynote.
- Travel Requirements: In-person events may include travel, lodging, and per diem.
- Customization: Tailored talks or workshops often come with a premium.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
- Book emerging speakers via Talks.co who are building their portfolio.
- Consider virtual events to save on travel and logistics.
- Offer value beyond cash: exposure, testimonials, or lead access.
Hidden Costs to Consider
- AV setup and tech support
- Marketing and promotion
- Speaker gifts or bonuses
Hiring a growth speaker is an investment. The right one can deliver insights that drive ROI for your team or audience. Just make sure the value aligns with your goals and budget.

Here's a curated list of some of the most impactful growth speakers of all time. These individuals have shaped industries, inspired millions, and built legacies around growth:

- Tony Robbins: Known for personal and business growth, Tony has been on stages for decades, helping people unlock their potential. His events like 'Unleash the Power Within' are legendary.

- Seth Godin: A marketing icon, Seth's talks on permission marketing and tribe building have influenced entrepreneurs globally. His TED Talk 'This is broken' is a masterclass in simplicity and insight.

- Peter Drucker: Though more known for his writing, Drucker's lectures on business growth and management shaped modern corporate strategy.

- Jim Rohn: A mentor to Tony Robbins, Rohn's timeless wisdom on personal development and business growth continues to resonate.

- Zig Ziglar: One of the original motivational sales speakers, Ziglar's focus on mindset and performance growth made him a household name.

- Brian Tracy: With a focus on goal setting and productivity, Tracy has been a staple on the speaker circuit for decades.

- Gary Vaynerchuk: Known for his raw, direct style, Gary Vee's talks on brand growth and digital marketing have made him a global influencer.

- Simon Sinek: His 'Start With Why' concept has become a cornerstone of leadership and organizational growth.

- Les Brown: A powerful orator, Les focuses on personal growth and overcoming adversity, with a delivery style that commands attention.

- Robin Sharma: Author of 'The 5AM Club', Sharma blends personal discipline with leadership growth strategies.

These speakers have not only delivered powerful talks but also built ecosystems around their message, influencing generations of entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators.

Looking at the current global landscape, these growth speakers are making waves across industries and borders. They're not just talking about growth - they're living it:

- Andrew Chen (USA): General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and former growth lead at Uber. His talks on network effects and scaling startups are must-listens for tech founders.

- April Dunford (Canada): A positioning expert, April's talks on product-market fit and go-to-market strategy are gold for SaaS companies.

- Tobi Lutke (Germany/Canada): CEO of Shopify, Tobi rarely speaks publicly, but when he does, his insights on sustainable growth and product culture are profound.

- Rand Fishkin (USA): Co-founder of Moz and SparkToro, Rand's talks on SEO and audience intelligence are both tactical and visionary.

- Ann Handley (USA): A content marketing pioneer, Ann's talks help brands grow through storytelling and authenticity.

- Neil Patel (USA/UK/India): A global digital marketing expert, Neil speaks on SEO, content, and funnel growth with data-driven precision.

- Melanie Perkins (Australia): CEO of Canva, Melanie's rare but impactful talks focus on product-led growth and global scaling.

- Chris Do (USA): Founder of The Futur, Chris blends design, brand growth, and entrepreneurship in his talks that resonate with creatives and marketers alike.

- Verne Harnish (USA): Author of 'Scaling Up', Verne's frameworks for business growth are used by CEOs around the world.

- Shivvy Jervis (UK): A futurist and growth strategist, Shivvy focuses on human-centered innovation and digital transformation.

These speakers bring diverse perspectives from tech, design, marketing, and leadership. Whether you're scaling a startup or transforming a legacy brand, their insights are globally relevant and deeply actionable.

Let's talk about a few assumptions that keep popping up when people think about growth speakers. These misconceptions can hold back both aspiring speakers and the event organizers who hire them.

- Myth 1: Growth speakers are just motivational cheerleaders.
This one's common, especially among folks who haven't seen a true growth-focused keynote. While energy and inspiration are part of the package, growth speakers are strategic thinkers. They bring frameworks, data, and actionable insights. Take Andrew Chen, for example. He's not just hyping up growth-he's breaking down network effects and retention loops with precision. Growth speakers often come from product, marketing, or startup backgrounds and speak from deep operational experience.

- Myth 2: You need to be a C-level exec at a unicorn to be a credible growth speaker.
Not true. While execs like Brian Balfour (formerly VP Growth at HubSpot) have great stories to tell, many impactful growth speakers are operators, consultants, or founders of smaller businesses. What matters is the clarity of your insights and the relevance of your experience. Some of the best talks come from people who scaled from 0 to 1M users in niche markets or helped local businesses 10x their revenue.

- Myth 3: Growth speakers only talk about digital marketing.
Growth isn't just about ads and funnels. It includes product-led growth, community building, partnerships, retention strategies, and even pricing models. A great growth speaker might walk you through how they used onboarding UX to double activation rates or how they built a referral engine that scaled without paid ads. Think beyond Facebook Ads.

- Myth 4: Growth speakers are only relevant for startups.
Growth is a universal business challenge. Enterprise teams, nonprofits, and even government initiatives need growth strategies. Growth speakers can tailor their message to different audiences-what works for a SaaS startup might be adapted for a regional healthcare provider. The core principles still apply.

- Myth 5: If you're not a natural performer, you can't be a growth speaker.
You don't need to be Tony Robbins. Many growth speakers are analytical, introverted, or low-key. What matters is clarity, structure, and value. If you can tell a compelling story with data and outcomes, you can own the stage. Tools like slide storytelling, visuals, and interactive Q&A can help you shine without theatrics.

When you think of growth speakers who've made a real impact, a few names come to mind-not just because of their stage presence, but because of the results they've driven and the clarity they bring to complex ideas.

Take Morgan Brown. Before he became VP of Growth at Shopify, he was already speaking at conferences like GrowthHackers and SaaStr. What made him stand out wasn't just his resume, but how he broke down growth loops into digestible, replicable models. At one event, he walked through how Dropbox's referral program wasn't just clever-it was engineered with specific triggers and incentives that aligned with user behavior. That kind of insight sticks.

Then there's Talia Wolf, a conversion optimization expert who's spoken on stages across Europe and the US. Her talks are packed with real A/B test results, emotional targeting frameworks, and examples from industries as varied as e-commerce and finance. She doesn't just say 'optimize your landing page'-she shows you how emotional design increased conversions by 47% for a fintech client.

In Asia, Gita Wirjawan, a former Indonesian trade minister turned entrepreneur and speaker, has brought growth thinking to both public policy and business. His talks blend macroeconomic trends with startup tactics, making him a bridge between sectors. He's spoken at events like the World Economic Forum and local startup summits, showing how growth frameworks can apply to national development as well as tech companies.

And don't overlook regional voices. In Latin America, Juliana Escobar has been speaking about growth in the context of emerging markets. Her sessions often focus on mobile-first strategies and community-led growth, which are especially relevant in countries where traditional digital infrastructure is limited. Her work with edtech startups has helped them scale to rural areas using WhatsApp as a primary channel.

Each of these speakers brings something unique: tactical depth, cultural relevance, or cross-sector insight. But what they all share is a commitment to clarity, evidence, and delivering value to their audience-not just hype.

Growth speakers are evolving along with the industries they serve. As business models shift and audience expectations rise, the best speakers are adapting their content, formats, and delivery methods. Here's what's coming next:

- Hybrid delivery is the new normal. More conferences are going hybrid, and growth speakers need to master both in-person and virtual formats. That means tighter scripting, better visuals, and interactive elements that work across screens. Tools like Miro or Slido are becoming part of the speaker toolkit.

- Data storytelling is becoming non-negotiable. Audiences want more than anecdotes-they want proof. Speakers who can visualize data clearly and tie it to business outcomes will stand out. Expect to see more talks with live dashboards, cohort analysis breakdowns, and real-time case studies.

- Localized growth strategies are gaining traction. Globalization is no longer the default. Growth speakers are tailoring their content to regional markets-what works in Berlin might flop in Jakarta. Expect more talks focused on regional case studies, language-specific UX, and culturally adapted funnels.

- AI and automation are hot topics-but need nuance. Everyone's talking about AI, but the best growth speakers are cutting through the noise. Instead of vague predictions, they're showing how AI tools are being used to personalize onboarding, automate lead scoring, or optimize pricing in real time.

- Community-led growth is back in focus. With paid acquisition costs rising, speakers are revisiting old-school tactics like word-of-mouth, ambassador programs, and user-generated content. But now, it's backed by data and tech. Think Discord channels, Notion playbooks, and referral engines built into the product.

In short, growth speakers who stay relevant will be those who combine tactical depth with cultural awareness and tech fluency. The stage is no longer just about charisma-it's about clarity, credibility, and connection.

- Talks.co. This platform helps you get booked as a podcast guest, which is a great way to build your speaking chops and authority. Use it to test your messaging, refine your delivery, and build a portfolio of appearances.

- Slidebean. A slick tool for creating pitch decks and presentations. It's especially useful for growth speakers who want to visualize data or explain complex models. Tip: Use their templates for case studies or funnel breakdowns.

- GrowthHackers Community. A goldmine of case studies, AMAs, and frameworks. Join discussions, share your own experiments, and learn how others are presenting growth insights. It's also a great place to spot trends worth speaking about.

- Loom. Record short videos to practice your delivery or share mini-presentations. You can use Loom to get feedback from peers or even pitch yourself to event organizers with a personalized intro.

- Notion. Organize your speaking topics, frameworks, and case studies in one place. Create a speaker hub with your bios, headshots, talk outlines, and testimonials. Bonus: Use it to build a public knowledge base that showcases your expertise.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list yourself as a speaker, browse events, and connect with organizers. It's especially useful if you're just starting out and want to get on smaller stages or webinars.

- Canva. For non-designers, Canva is perfect for creating polished slides, social media promos for your talks, and speaker one-sheets. Use their presentation mode for smaller virtual events.

- Airmeet. If you're hosting your own virtual events or summits, Airmeet offers a robust platform with networking features and interactive tools. Great for building your own audience while practicing your delivery.

These tools aren't just about looking good-they're about being prepared, professional, and persuasive. Whether you're pitching yourself to a conference or delivering a keynote, the right resources can make the difference between being memorable and being forgettable.